Marine

Drawing a weapon from a holstered position

Drawing a pistol is an art-form that requires practice to do subconsciously efficient. Every holster and firearms combination is different or has the possibility to be, given the different body types and capabilities of different people. The draw can be done from the same setup a variety of ways depending on the individual’s position as […]

That first Claymore and getting switched on

We were heading out on our first reconnaissance mission, our objective was located in the no man’s land (but mostly Separatist controlled) that divided the Ukrainian military outposts and Separatist trenches. The countryside was a lush green and seemed rather peaceful given the circumstances. Sitting at an outpost smoking cigarettes, we had to wait for […]

Hasdt al-Shaabi combats remnants of ISIS

On Sunday Hasdt al-Shaabi forces began anti-terror operations in southwest Kirkuk, where they engaged a substantial force of Islamic State fighters. In the course of the battle, 27 Hasdt al-Shaabi were killed or captured in the province of Hawija over the span of several days. The operation was in an effort to combat known ISIS […]

Massive POW swap between Ukraine and Russian separatists is the first in 15 months

A massive prisoner swap has taken place between Ukraine and Russian separatist rebels. Hundreds of POWs were traded by both sides in one of the largest exchanges since the conflicts started in 2014. Nearly 230 men and women were returned to separatist controlled territory in exchange for 74 Ukrainian prisoners being held in the Donetsk […]

3 YPG foreign fighters die fighting Turkey

Three of the foreign fighters to rally to the call for international support from Rojava have been killed fighting Turkish military Forces. Turkish forces began their assault against the Syrian Democratic Forces in January this year and have Killed a number of SDF fighters as well as civilians as a result. The offensive was launched […]

Kurdish PUK plans restructuring of party

In an effort to create a inclusive structuring for the newest generation of Kurds, the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) is planning a major overhaul of their political party. Plans to overhaul the party were proposed in light of the upcoming congress to be held among its members. On Thursday acting head of the PUK, […]

KRG sends delegation to inspect Rojava hospitals

A delegation of Prime Ministers from Kurdish Regional Government has just concluded their tour of Rojava’s (northern Syrian Kurdistan) hospitals. They found that the hospitals were all heavily understaffed and overwhelmed with patients or casualties from the conflict in Afrin. Head of the delegation, Alio Halo, said, “Unfortunately, the sound of artillery and tank shelling can […]

Iraq sends delegation to inspect potential border crossing with Iran

Iraqi Kurdistan has an unofficial border crossing with Iran in the far Southeast recesses of of it’s territory that is set to be inspected by a ministry delegation. It is in doing this that the governing body for  the Halabja province hopes that the crossing will eventually become recognized as a official border point of […]

Iraq demands Kirkuk government be divided ethnically

In a brash demand from the Iraqi government, they have ordered the political parties and governing officials in Kirkuk to restructure all government posts based on ethnicity in one month’s time. The division of personnel would be a three-part split (32%) of Arabs, Turkmens and Kurds, with the remaining 4% left to Christian minorities. The […]

Why I use a two-point sling

To put it simply: the one-point sling is not versatile enough. It’s really good at a specific role, and that is accommodating a direct action based use of the weapon. It is extremely good in this capacity but because it is such a specialized piece of kit, it lacks the versatility of the two-point. I […]

Meditations on life and death through combat

“Always grip your sword with the thought of killing.” “To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead.”  – Miyamoto Musashi   All training for lethal combat regardless of form should be routed in death. That is not to say that escalation of force and rules of engagement do not apply […]

Respect your enemy, hate the condition, love the act

“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering…” – Master Yoda One thing I absolutely despise is the use of dehumanization towards an enemy. Dehumanizing an enemy has never helped men be any better at fighting or killing them. If anything it has made men worse at the task. It […]